A useful definition needs restrictions that draw the correct boundary. Too broad a condition admits irrelevant cases; too narrow a condition excludes genuine examples.
“In other than its assigned sense” identifies semantic transfer.
“With a clue” identifies a contextual indication.
A meaningful relation and intended transfer distinguish figurative speech from mere accidental substitution.
Compare “Take this horse,” said accidentally while pointing to a book, with “I saw a lion delivering a sermon.” Both resist literal interpretation, but only the latter offers a coherent likeness in courage supported by a human action.